: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length
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In addition to drawing storm chasers and meteorologists, the wetlands surrounding the Catatumbo Lightning area are home to creatures like howler monkeys, river dolphins, anacondas, and capybara, which entice photographers, fishers, and wildlife tourists.—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026 There's capybaras named after food, an Asian elephant named after Kirby Drive and California sea lions named for donors.—Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 May 2026 The only rodent larger than the beaver is the capybara of Central and South America.—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 May 2026 Exotic skins, in general, are big with custom clients, including common ones such as lizard and ostrich and even one of the rarest: capybara leather.—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capybara
Word History
Etymology
Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater